'We all know Lionel Messi deserved the Ballon d'Or' - Thiago Almada claims critics of Inter Miami superstar's eighth Golden Ball 'just want to appear on TV' in staunch defence of Argentine team-mate

The legendary Argentina international has once again been named the best player on the planet in 2023. His exploits at the 2022 World Cup, where he inspired his country to global glory in Qatar, made it virtually impossible for anybody to beat Messi to another prestigious Golden Ball.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland did his best to close that gap, as he registered 52 goals in a Treble-winning campaign last season, and many have suggested that the prolific Norwegian would have been a more deserving recipient of the biggest individual accolade in world football.

Atlanta United star Almada, who plays his club football alongside Inter Miami ace Messi in MLS, believes his fellow countryman was the leading candidate to land another major honour – with anybody questioning that decision doing so in order to try and spark an argument. Almada has told TyC Sports: “We all know that Messi deserved the Ballon d'Or, there will always be comments from people who want to appear on TV.”

Almada has been picking up awards of his own in 2023, with the 22-year-old playmaker being named MLS Young Player of the Year. Messi, meanwhile, has been back in training at Inter Miami after guiding them to Leagues Cup glory during his debut campaign in the United States, but missing out on a place in the play-offs.